The Permanent Representative of Italy to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Vincenzo Grassi, took the floor today during the Interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, in the framework of the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council.
“For more than one year now, Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, a gross violation of the UN Charter and a threat to international security and stability, has been causing enormous suffering to the Ukrainian people, including children and other innocent civilians”, stated the Permanent Representative of Italy, adding that “It is also resulting in a global disruption with serious adverse effects, including on food and energy security, in particular for the most vulnerable countries in many parts of the world”.
The Permanent Representative underlined that Italy is appalled by the information that continues to emerge, also thanks to the report of the Commission of Inquiry, of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law and related crimes in Ukraine, including attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, summary executions, unlawful confinement, torture, sexual and gender-based violence, as well as forced transfers and deportations of children.
“A lasting peace is our ultimate goal but it cannot be achieved without justice and the full respect of Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Those responsible for these atrocities must be held accountable. Therefore we continue to support investigations by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, the Commission of Inquiry and other accountability initiatives”, stated Amb. Grassi, reiterating that Italy stands in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people.
Read the full statement here.
